How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as easy as taking a test online or using a rating scale. The process involves an evaluation of psychological and medical aspects.
Doctors review medical and family histories, including old school records as well as past tests. They also interview parents as well as teachers and children about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often passed down from parents.
Signs and symptoms
If someone has trouble staying on task paying attention to specifics or starting and finishing tasks that require a lot of attention this could be ADHD. Many suffer from other disorders like depression or anxiety, that can cause the same symptoms. It is important to determine the correct diagnosis. A thorough examination will help determine whether the symptoms are caused by ADHD or other disorders.
A mental health professional with expertise in adult ADHD or a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist with expertise in ADHD can perform an evaluation. They will ask questions and speak to the person about their symptoms, how long they've been occurring, how often they occur, and how severe they are. They will inquire about the person’s family and medical background along with their educational and work experience, as well as their family.
It is essential for a doctor about any issues that may arise that a person may be facing like financial issues or trouble in relationships. They might also have to speak to the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've experienced with the individual's performance at work or at school. The doctor will interview parents, and may be required to interview other adults like teachers and coaches, nannies or coaches.
During the examination, the provider will take the medical history of the patient and perform physical. The physical exam can be used to determine if a person has a medical condition such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder that may resemble symptoms of ADHD. They will also look over the individual's education and work history and any other pertinent documents.
The doctor will also conduct a behavioral or psychological test. It could be a list of symptoms, or a rating system that measures how an individual feels about certain behaviors. They may also use cognitive and learning disabilities tests to see if the person has a learning disability or other disorders that can be similar to ADHD. They will also ask about the person's lifestyle, such as whether they are in a stressful situation or suffer from any other illness which could cause ADHD symptoms worse. They will also inquire about the person about their ability to work with others and follow the instructions.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can affect adults and children in many different areas of their lives. They can cause problems in school and at work, poor performance in extracurricular activities and tensions in relationships. They also contribute to problems with driving and managing finances. Finding a medical professional who is well-versed in ADHD is the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis. You could ask your child's doctor to perform a screening or you can talk to a psychiatrist who is certified in the field of mental illness.
The specialist will first interview the patient regarding their behavior. Typically doctors will ask about the symptoms for at least six months. This will ensure that the symptoms are consistent and they have persisted throughout the time. The examiner will utilize an assessment scale to assess the symptoms of ADHD. This could be the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5.
In addition to examining problems that are currently affecting the patient, the doctor will typically review the patient's medical history as well as any family history of ADHD or other mental health problems. They may also examine the person's driving and academic history as well as relationships and family issues. The examiner will also need to know about the lifestyle of the individual including whether he or she has any issues with alcohol or drugs.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms are not better explained by a different disorder. The symptoms should be present at least two times and for at least six months. The symptoms must also be debilitating and not caused by any other illness.
To confirm a diagnosis, the specialist may administer one or more tests of focus, such as the TOVA continuous performance test. The TOVA is administered on a computer and involves watching a series of visual stimuli, such as shapes or letters, that appear on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli and presses a button whenever he or she sees the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to indicate the difficulty of an individual to complete attention-related tasks.
Treatment
Anyone who exhibits symptoms of ADHD will usually be assessed for the disorder by a mental health professional. This will involve a thorough physical exam and a review of medical and family background, and a psychiatric examination. The evaluation will include questions regarding symptoms and their impact on the individual's functioning, the standardized ADHD behavior rating scales, and other psychological tests.
The doctor will also talk to the patient as well as his significant other, if appropriate. This is not a test for honesty, but rather to find out more about the patient's experiences and behavior. It is common for people with ADHD to have trouble recalling details from their childhood. It may be beneficial to interview adults who have been with them for a long time. This information will help the physician identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator will often interview the child's parents and teachers. This is particularly important when the child is experiencing difficulties at school. The examiner may also inquire about the child's social life and how the school and home environments are structured. This is important because the social environment is the main source of stress and challenges for those with ADHD.
In adult patients, the doctor will employ a similar rating scale, however it is more sophisticated and used to collect research data on symptoms. In some cases an examiner might use computerized testing in order to screen for ADHD symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, or ADHD-RS is the most frequently used test. It was created by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of computer test is the continuous performance test (CPT), is a test of the ability of an individual to hold focus for a certain amount of time.
The evaluator will decide whether the person meets the ADHD diagnostic criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). This means that the individual has had six or more established symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity for at least six months and the symptoms have significantly impacted their social, academic and occupational functioning.
Medication
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, medications will likely be included in the treatment plan. The stimulant medication is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, and offers rapid relief from symptoms. However, these medications should be taken with care. A high dose of stimulants could lead to heart issues or addiction. The drugs that release slowly into the body, like atomoxetine and guanfacine are safer but they don't work in the same way as stimulants. These medications may not be available to children with certain medical conditions such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital cardiac disease.
Psychotherapy is an essential element of the treatment program for adults suffering from ADHD. Therapists can assist people in learning better organizational skills and find strategies to improve their work and social relationships. For example, a therapist could teach the person to make use of reminders, such as alarms or daily planners to help them stay on the right track. A therapist can help people with ADHD manage their emotions and figure out ways to cope better with stressors.
For adults suffering from ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist may conduct tests that screen for depression, anxiety as well as learning disabilities and other disorders that can be similar to or coexist with ADHD such as seizures or a thyroid disorder. Psychiatrists can also conduct a physical exam and review the person's family history, medical records and their behavior.
Some therapists use a computer test to help people test for ADHD symptoms. adults adhd test to keep attention on track and resist impulsive urges by presenting the individual with visual targets on a screen. The test evaluates the cognitive capacity of a person and can be used in conjunction with self-reporting questions to give the doctor an objective measurement of a patient's response to treatment.
A newer method of genetic testing can be used to determine how a person's body will process medication. The test can assist doctors in selecting the best drug for each person and avoid adverse unwanted side negative effects. However, this type of test is expensive and is not easily accessible. The most reliable way to determine ADHD is by a medical professional.